Norway concludes F-35 drag chute system verification test

The Royal Norwegian Air Force has successfully completed a verification test of the drag chute system for the F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft at the country’s Ørland Air Force Base (AFB).

The chute is integrated on to the jet under a small fairing on the upper rear fuselage between the vertical tails.

Once added to the airforce’s fleet of F-35 fighter jets, the chute will help to rapidly slow down the aircraft speed after landing on Norway’s icy runways under harsh wind conditions.

In a statement, Norwegian Ministry of Defence F-35 Programme programme director major general Morten Klever said: “Receiving the first three aircraft in November 2017 was a major milestone for Norway.”

“The programme delivers on all key criteria: time, cost and performance.

“Through the verification of the production version of the drag chute on our production model of the F-35, the weapons system is expected to fully qualify for arctic conditions this spring.”

“The weapons system is expected to fully qualify for arctic conditions this spring.”

With the successful verification of the drag chute system, other countries are expected to adopt the system.

In November last year, the Royal Norwegian Air Force received three F-35 aircraft.

From this year, the country is expected to receive six aircraft every year up until, and including, 2024.

Developed by Lockheed Martin, F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter jet that combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility.